San Antonio City Council Meeting – September 18, 2025: Budget Adoption and Policy Updates

The San Antonio City Council met on September 18, 2025, at 9:05 AM with all members present and a quorum. The meeting included an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, approval of minutes from multiple sessions in August and September 2025, and a proclamation recognizing the 78th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force. The council then moved to the consent agenda, public comments, and discussion on several key items, including the adoption of the FY2026 budget and amendments to the Council Consideration Request (CCR) ordinance. The meeting adjourned after an executive session.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from August 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, and September 2, 3, 4, 2025, were approved by voice vote.
• Consent Agenda (Items 9–29): Adopted unanimously, except for Item 21, which was pulled for individual consideration. Several council members highlighted specific items, including workforce solutions funding (Item 29), a contract with Mills & Wills (Item 11), and the Lupita Rores assignment to LULAC.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jack Finger opposed the proposed street name change on item 23 (Rosel Drive to Sousa Drive), calling it a waste of taxpayer money for a personal injury law firm. He also criticized the budget process and property tax increases.
• Rachel Sinzwinski and Molly S. were called but did not appear; their three-minute time was yielded.
• Kathy Keller and Chris Keller signed up but were not heard.
• John Bachman, Steven Seseman, Martin Gordon, Angela Cabrale, Judith Gorowitz, Lauren Everhart, John Melendez, Mando Flores, Red Smith, and Chris Longoria spoke during budget hearings (Items 4–8). Key positions:
  • Martin Gordon (San Antonio Philharmonic) and Angela Cabrale requested restoring the Philharmonic’s funding to $400,000, emphasizing educational impact.
  • Judith Gorowitz (District 8) expressed fear of rising property taxes and criticized inadequate basic services (roads, traffic lights, code enforcement).
  • Lauren Everhart supported the Philharmonic and highlighted its economic and educational contributions.
  • John Melendez (Americans for Prosperity) opposed property tax increases, arguing that despite lower rates, bills keep rising due to appraised values.
  • Mando Flores (SME Local 2021) thanked the council for the proposed 2% wage increase plus $750 one-time payment for city employees.
  • Red Smith (District 8) urged a zero-based or no-new-revenue budget and also referenced violence concerns.
  • Chris Longoria asked for tax relief and responsible spending, stating that families are struggling with rising costs.
• Jack Finger and John Bachman also spoke on Item 21 (CCR ordinance). Finger argued the council should not be overridden by the city attorney or manager, and criticized the process.

Discussion Items

• FY2026 Budget Adoption (Items 4–8): City Manager Eric Walsh presented amendments totaling $12 million over two years, funded by a $0.50 monthly fee increase on food establishments and vacant building registration fees, plus a $1.9 million reduction in Ready-to-Work funds. Key amendments included:
  • 2% cost-of-living raise for civilian employees plus a $750 one-time payment for those earning under $100,000.
  • 15 additional police officers (total 40, down from a promised 65).
  • $1 million for minor home repairs, $3 million for street lighting, $430,000 for Metro Health (including SA Kids Breathe), $91,000 for travel, and funding for Big Mama's Safe House ($144,000) and American Gateways ($50,000).
  • Clarification that the city will not reimburse litigation costs in agency contracts.
  • Tax rate set at 33.009 cents per $100 for maintenance & operations and 21.5 cents per $100 for debt service.
  • Council debated adding more officers: A motion by Councilmember White to fund 25 additional officers (total 65) using $1.39 million from computer replacement and delegate agency reserves failed. A second motion by Councilmember Spears to add 25 officers via $1.9 million funded by $1.3 million police overtime reduction also failed. The final budget with 40 officers passed.
• CCR Ordinance Amendment (Item 21): The council considered an ordinance to clarify that CCRs do not automatically expire when a council member leaves office, and require a council vote to amend the policy. Councilmember Munguia proposed an amendment to allow CCRs to expire if the original sponsor is no longer in office; this failed 2-9. The original ordinance then passed unanimously. Councilmembers emphasized the importance of the CCR process for constituent voices and promised further review in governance committees.

Key Outcomes

• FY2026 Budget Adopted: The council approved the $4 billion budget with a total of 40 police officers, a 2% civilian wage increase, and a $750 one-time payment. Tax rates were set at 33.009 cents (M&O) and 21.5 cents (debt) per $100 valuation. The budget includes $122 million for street maintenance, $10 million for capital improvements, and funding for various community services.
• CCR Ordinance Passed: The CCR ordinance was amended to require council votes for any policy changes and to ensure that pending CCRs continue regardless of sponsor term limits. The amendment to expire CCRs with departing sponsors was rejected.
• Recognition of Retiring Staff: The council recognized Rossi (Director of Public Works, retiring after 33 years) and Lori Houston (Assistant City Manager, retiring after 26 years) for their dedicated service. Both received standing ovations.
• Executive Session: The council entered executive session at 2:48 PM to discuss economic development negotiations and legal matters; no action was taken upon reconvening.